PACE-RI Hosts Press Conference Introducing Statewide Alzheimer’s Plan

PACE-RI welcomed state officials and community leaders on Feb. 15 to its flagship center in East Providence, RI, to unveil the Rhode Island Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders (ADRD) 2024-2029 State Plan. The plan outlines dozens of strategies for how to improve the quality of life and accessibility of care for Rhode Islanders with dementia over the next five years.

On hand for the event were U.S. Sen. Jack Reed, Gov. Dan McKee, the Rhode Island Department of Health, the Rhode Island Office of Healthy Aging, and the Rhode Island Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. Coverage included local television, radio and newspaper outlets.

The state plan outlines 36 strategic recommendations designed to enhance the quality of life and care accessibility for residents with dementia. Key initiatives include increasing neighborhood accessibility, establishing dementia-specific caregiver support programs, advocating for home and community-based services, and implementing specialized workforce training for dementia care.

“It was an honor for our team to contribute to the plan and host its introduction here in East Providence,” said Joan Kwiatkowski, CEO of PACE-RI. “Nearly 40 percent of our participants have a dementia diagnosis, and we see its profound impact on them and their caregivers every day. We’re encouraged to see our state leaders championing this issue, and we look forward to doing our part to make the plan a reality.”

PACE-RI was the site for another ADRD event in July 2022, when Lt. Gov. Sabina Matos introduced a draft version of the current plan. Representatives from community-based organizations, health systems and social service agencies, as well as caregivers and academics, provided input during the session.